What do I need ? A carryon question.

[solfan68]

Another "first time" flyer... well first time since the rules have changed. Looking ahead to our upcoming trip. What should I have in my carryon ? It will be myself and DS8 making this excursion, so I'm thinking about my iPod, his DS Lite, the camera. What's in YOUR carryon when you head off to The World ? TIA.

 

[VAN]

I carry on anything that I couldn't live without if my checked bag got lost, or if I ended up stuck at the airport for any length of time.

So keep your ID, money, reservation confirmations, medicines, contacts, glasses, camera, etc with you at all times. If traveling with a child, have a change of clothes and any favorite toy that your child can't live without.

Another couple suggestions - Check your airline website to familiarize yourself with their checked baggage and carry-on guidelines/restrictions ... also the liquid rule.

Save $$ by taking an empty water bottle through Security and filling it up at the drinking fountain.

 

[goofy4tink]

This is what I have in my carryon, if I'm checking other bags...
all electronics(phone, camera, chargers, notebook)
change of clothes
swim suit if it's hot in WDW
small travel sized toiletries
travel docs
book
snacks

I always plan as if I am going to have to be without my checked baggage for a day. That way, if something does happen to them, I can go on with my vacation.

 

[hematite153]

I carry on anything that I couldn't live without if my checked bag got lost,

I'd also add that I think through how many electronic devices (or other small items) you can reasonably keep complete track of at a time. I know dozens of savvy travellers who have lost cellphones, ipods, blackberrys, cameras, child's favourite toy, etc. on airplanes.

This isn't a matter of theft, but, just of not paying perfect attention at all times. You slip the phone in your pocket, but, then put the jacket under the seat in front of you for take-off and the phone slides away on the plane never to be seen again. Or, the blankie is tucked into the side pocket of a bag and then snags on something as you are leaving the plane, but, you don't notice because you're juggling too many things.

So, make sure you not only think through what you are bringing but also where it goes so that you will always put it in the same place and can easily confirm that you still have it.

 

[canadiankim]

I always take in my carryon

travel documents/itinerary
camera
c/cards & money
medication
change of clothes
snack

that way if any luggage gets lost we always have change of clothes. Where possible though, we like to travel with just carryon and no hold luggage.

Yippeee 2 weeks today and we arrive for our WDW & US/IOA holiday

 

[Taja]

Since my luggage has been known to go astray--although not recently, thank goodness!--I pack the things I absolutey have to have for 2 days in my carry-on!

Change of clothing (sometimes add a thermal knit top for winter)
Two sets of underwear
Sleepwear
Jacket (usually visit WDW in December and I am known for losing jackets!)
Pair of Birks (wear my sneakers)
Eyeglasses
Extra pair of contact lenses
Hairbrush/Comb
Toothbrush
Laptop with geek bag
OTC meds in pill-form (antihistimine, pain relief, etc.)
3-1-1 bag (includes travel size contact lens solutions)
Duplicate set of travel documents
Extra reading material (five-hour flight + airport time)

I also carry a mid-sized purse (always! *LOL*), so my cell phone, camera and original travel documents are in that.

To date, my luggage always has been returned to me within about 48 hours. That's why I pack stuff for two days! *LOL*

Edited to add:

Since my carry-on bag is stowed in the overhead compartment, I always lock it just before boarding.

 

[sndral]

I have to go through metal detectors daily for work, I hate setting them off and having to be wanded, so when I fly I dress accordingly, no metal belts, no metal jewelry, etc.. Easy slip on/off shoes. Under 3 oz. containers w/ liquids/gels packed in a clear plastic ziplock (see TSA site for info.) inside the carryon. With your carryon, you will be hauling it a long way in terminals, putting it on and off the TSA belts and hoisting it up over your head into the overhead bins then hauling it down on the plane, make sure you pack accordingly. Have a purse that zips shut so the contents don't spill out when it goes through the metal detectors or when you slide it under the seat in front of you.
Flying solo with a young child, it's easy to get distracted, or lay something down and forget it. So the fewer things you are lugging around, the less you'll be likely to lose something.

 

[happymommy]

Be sure and carry on any medications you need (or may need). They don't count as liquids. Also, if you have one bag that's all medical, it doesn't count against your carry-on limit.

We generally travel with only carry-ons; each of us has a small wheeled bag and a backpack. I do laundry on vacation. We buy items like shampoo at the destination, and I bring small travel sizes of my cosmetics (hairspray, face wash, etc...). I like this as it saves time (not waiting at the baggage claim), and our luggage doesn't get all dirty and gross.

 

[solfan68]

OP here. Thanks. You've all given me a lot to think about. One final question, though... Can I carry-on our pin lanyards ? Should I ?

 

[happymommy]

OP here. Thanks. You've all given me a lot to think about. One final question, though... Can I carry-on our pin lanyards ? Should I ?

Yes and yes! Those pins add up, so to me it's too valuable to check. Anything of value, I'd carry on.

 

[solfan68]

Yes and yes! Those pins add up, so to me it's too valuable to check. Anything of value, I'd carry on.

Should I do anything special with the lanyards that I carry on ? In a ziploc bag, maybe ? Easy to pull out and see that way ?

 

[canadiankim]

I think packing your lanyards in a ziploc bag is a great idea. That way if the security want to check your bags there will be 'no surprises'.

I'm with happymomma, I only travel with carry on and the kids are great at carrying their own bags.

I am getting so excited, now only 11 days till our US/IOA & WDW holiday

DH, Me, DS(10), DD(8)

 

[hematite153]

OP here. Thanks. You've all given me a lot to think about. One final question, though... Can I carry-on our pin lanyards ? Should I ?

Check the current alerts first. I've seen people being asked to take pins off of their hats, jackets, etc. and I've walked through security past a garbage pail full of pin-like objects.

So, at the very least I'd confirm that the pins will be okay on the day you travel before letting your checked luggage head off away from you.